Hong Kong protesters raise US$1.97 million for international ad campaign as they accuse police of ‘war crimes’ and using ‘chemical weapons’
- Activists raise money in matter of hours as 22,500 people contribute to fund
- Adverts will aim to pressure Hong Kong’s government and Beijing on the world stage
Anti-government activists accused Hong Kong police of using “chemical weapons” and committing “war crimes” on Monday as they raised HK$15.4 million (US$1.97 million) for another international advertising campaign.
The online initiative first emerged on popular local forum LIHKG at around 10.30am on Monday, and hit its initial HK$7.8 million target in about 1½ hours.
When it closed at around 1.30pm, more than 22,500 people had contributed to the fund.
The move came after clashes broke out between protesters and riot police in railway stations on Sunday evening. Police fired tear gas inside Kwai Fong station, and also fired pepper-ball bullets from close range at protesters inside Tai Koo station.
This is the third crowdfunded advertising campaign by protesters, who hope to put pressure on Hong Kong’s leaders and Beijing on the world stage.